High-Risk groups: Why routine eye tests matter
We encourage our patients, for their well-being, to look after their eye health.
Regular Eye Tests are not the same as Diabetic Retinal Screening – Diabetic patients should regularly be having both of these.
It is still important to have regular eye tests with your Optometrist to check for other eye health conditions.
Those who have persistently high blood glucose levels, raised cholesterol, raised blood pressure or those that are of African Caribbean and Asian backgrounds are at a higher risk of developing issues.
Diabetic eye screening direct via the NHS
Diabetic eye screening is a test that looks for an eye condition called diabetic retinopathy that can be caused by diabetes.
Screening involves checking for signs of diabetic retinopathy, which can cause sight loss, often before you notice any changes in your sight. Finding and treating it early can prevent or reduce damage to your eyes and sight loss.
If you have diabetes (aged 12 or over), you should receive a letter through the post (every 1-2 years) from the NHS diabetic eye screening service, inviting you for an appointment.
If you’ve not had a letter in the post, contact either:
- Your GP practice
- Your local NHS eye screening service